Taqueria Santa Cruz

Taqueria Santa Cruz has two locations, and I've only been to one. It's the one on Mission. Taqueria Santa Cruz boasts the latest closing time of any legitimate taqueria in the city (11:45pm), which is a notable, redeeming quality. Not to say the burritos aren't excellent, which they are. However, I know absolutely nothing about the veggie burritos here. I would say that you veges out there would undoubtedly find a spot-hitting burrito down the street at La Cabaña, famous for their selection of vegetarian/vegan Mexican food. The rest of you might be well-advised to do the same, but Taqueria Santa Cruz is good enough to merit choosing over La Cabaña every now and again.

Quality of meat (1-10) : 8.3
Again, I usually go with the carne asada, which is very good. It's not exceptionally good, but it is certainly above average. Once I ordered a carnitas burrito and was very mildly disappointed by the flavor; I might recommend the chile verde if pork is your bag. I haven't been adventurous enough to try the birria, which is goat's meat, but if you end up trying it, let me know how it is. To my knowledge, Taqueria Santa Cruz is the only taqueria on the westside with birria.

Quality of house salsa (1-10) : 6.9
I must say, the salsa at Taqueria Santa Cruz is surprisingly underwhelming. They have many kinds, all of which are only mediocre. They feature a fantastically spicy habañero salsa (if you're into it).

Quality of guacamole (1-10) : ?
Come to think of it, I have never actually tried the guacamole here...

Quality of chips (1-5) : 3.3
Good, but nothing out of the ordinary.

Size/Diversity of menu (1-5) : 4.2
Taqueria Santa Cruz has a real big menu, complete with breakfasts and tons of ceviche/camarón dishes, even more expansive than the standard extended taqueria selection.

Size of burrito (1-5) : 3.1
The burritos here are, I believe, slightly smaller than the average SC burrito. However, this is of some importance, considering the state in which you may decide to eat said burrito. I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate that, in my own humble opinion, La Cabaña, for some reason, is the best burrito to eat while intoxicated. Blue ribbon. If you happen to find yourself in such a state, go just one more block west and eat at La Cabaña.

Approximate price (For a standard burrito) : ~$6

Locally owned? (Y/N) : Duh

Satisfaction Factor (1-10) : 7.8

Overall taste (1-10) : 7.9

Taqueria Santa Cruz
2215 Mission St
Santa Cruz, CA 95060